156 THE FALCON. 
With braided hair, of gold or jet, 
There ’s many a May and Margaret, 
Before her stately mirror set, 
With waiting-woman by ; 
There ’s scarlet cloak, and hat and hood ; 
And riding-dress of camlet good, 
Green as the leaf within the wood, 
To shroud those ladies high. 
And presently they are arrayed, 
And plaits are smoothed and folds are laid, 
And all the merry gabble stayed 
That showered down like rain; 
And down the stately stairs they go, 
Where dainty pages stand a-row, 
To greet them with obeisance low, 
And follow in the train. 
And then into the castle-hall, 
Come crowding gallant knights and tall, 
Equipped as for a festival, 
For they will hawk to-day. 
